Ex-FIFA official reacts to heated Enzo Fernandez incident in Chelsea win vs Pafos

Enzo Fernandez was incensed after his goal was disallowed in Chelsea’s Champions League win over Pafos on Wednesday night.

Chelsea beat Pafos 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, with Moises Caicedo‘s second-half header providing the difference between the sides.

The victory has left the Blues just inside the Champions League top eight ahead of the final match against Napoli next week.

The win also marked a second consecutive victory after Chelsea beat Brentford 2-0 in the Premier League on Saturday.

Liam Rosenior arrived at Chelsea less than two weeks ago, and has overseen three wins from his opening four games.

Chelsea denied early goal vs Pafos

Chelsea would ultimately secure the three points in the 78th minute when Caicedo nodded in from a corner.

But the Blues thought they were ahead after just 17 minutes, when Fernandez turned in a header of his own from Pedro Neto‘s cross.

Referee Erik Lambrechts instantly brought his whistle to his mouth and blew up for what appeared to be a weak push by the Chelsea midfielder.

The Argentine certainly had his hands on the back of the Pafos defender, who was sandwiched between Liam Delap.

Fernandez was furious with the decision and was likely fortunate to avoid a yellow card when he pointed his finger towards the official.

Keith Hackett points out difference in officiating

While the decision ultimately proved meaningless when Chelsea found the winner, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett was keen to highlight the differences in officiating.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, he said: “This disallowed goal for a push, even though it is slight, demonstrates the difference in how the law is applied by top UEFA referees in European games compared to what we witness week in week out in the Premier League, where grappling and more severe holding is ignored.

“There is a push and the match officials have applied the law correctly.”

The Blues did get the three points, but there is one situation in which the decision could prove costly.

Chelsea’s 13 points are matched by seven other teams, all hoping to finish in the top eight. Goal difference could ultimately prove vital, and Rosenior would have hoped to boost it on Wednesday.

Fernandez’s goal may well have opened the floodgates, although it is to be acknowledged that Pafos defended resolutely.

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